Anna Haining Swan was not like most girls. Born in Mill Brook, Nova Scotia, on August 6, 1846, Anna was a Canadian woman of great height. When she was a child, people noticed she was growing faster than anyone else. Her parents, including her father, Alexander Swan, watched in awe as she grew taller than even the grown-ups around her. This Anna Swan Biography will walk you through the early and personal life of the once-tallest woman of her time.
Photo credit: Factinate
Anna Swan Biography
Anna Swan was born on August 6, 1846, in a small town called Mill Brook in Nova Scotia, Canada. She was not like other babies. When she was born, she weighed 16 pounds! As she grew, she became taller and taller. By the time she was 10 years old, she was almost 6 feet tall. That’s as tall as many grown-ups!
When Anna turned 15, she was already 7 feet 11 inches tall. Many people were surprised by how tall she was. A famous man named P.T. Barnum asked her to work in his show in New York City. There, people came from far and wide to see Anna. She didn’t just stand around—she acted in plays and read stories out loud. Everyone saw that she was smart and kind, too.
While working with Mr. Barnum, Anna met a very tall man named Martin Van Buren Bates. He was over 7 feet tall as well. Anna and Martin liked each other a lot and got married in a big wedding in 1871. Many people talked about their wedding because it was special and sweet.
Anna and Martin moved to Ohio, USA. They built a big house with tall doors and big chairs to fit their size. Anna tried to have children, but sadly, both of her babies died very young. Even though this made her sad, Anna stayed strong and kind.
After she stopped working in shows, Anna helped people in her town. She gave to those in need and stayed friendly to everyone. People remembered her not just because she was tall but because she had a big heart.
Anna Swan died in her sleep on August 5, 1888, just one day before her 42nd birthday. Even though she lived a short life, she made a big difference. Today, many people still remember Anna as the gentle giant from Canada who was smart, strong, and full of love.
Early Life in Nova Scotia
Anna’s early years in Nova Scotia were simple and full of family life. She was the third of thirteen children and showed signs of gigantism early on. By the time of her 15th birthday, Anna stood over 7 feet tall. Her maternal grandmother had Highland ancestry, which some believe may have contributed to her unusual height. People from nearby towns would come to catch a glimpse of the enormously tall person living in New Annan. Her family was proud of her, especially her mother, who cared deeply for her comfort and health. Anna’s size made everyday life tricky, like finding clothes or a bed big enough. But she never let that stop her from learning and growing strong.
Anna Swan Height
Anna Swan’s height has been a topic of wonder for years. Most reports say she reached around 7 feet 11 inches, which made her a record-holder. The Guinness World Record listed her as one of the tallest women in history. Her body was healthy, but her size sometimes caused health problems. Her rapid growth and condition, believed to be gigantism, made her stand out everywhere she went. People from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and even the Western United States continued to talk about her long after she passed. Her height wasn’t just a number but part of Anna’s life and legacy.
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Rise to Fame
When PT Barnum—the famous showman—heard about Anna, he invited her to New York to join PT Barnum’s American Museum. Anna said yes, and soon, she became a touring sensation. People came from everywhere to see the tall girl from Nova Scotia. She met many famous people, including Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom. Anna used her fame wisely. She never let people treat her like a joke. She read books, played piano, and even performed in plays. Once, she played Lady Macbeth, showing off her smart and talented side.
Anna Swan’s Marriage to Martin Van Buren Bates
While working with WW Cole, Anna met someone just like her—Martin Van Buren Bates, also known as the Kentucky Giant. He was over 7 feet tall, and soon, they fell in love. People called them the giant couple. On June 17, 1871, they got married in London, with thousands watching. They later moved to the Western United States and lived in a house built just for their size. Anna became Anna Haining Bates, sometimes called Anna Bates. Her husband was often called Captain Bates. Together, they were known far and wide.
Anna Haining Bates – Her Married Name
After marrying Martin, Anna began to use the name Anna Haining Bates. She remained a proud Nova Scotian and a strong woman. As a couple, Anna and Martin toured less and settled into home life, focusing on comfort and faith. Their home included special furniture made to fit their great height.
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Anna Swan Baby
Anna and Martin Bates had two babies. The first died at birth. The second, born in 1879, was one of the largest babies ever recorded—nearly 23 pounds! The child sadly passed away after only 11 hours. Many ask, “Why did Anna Haining Bates babies die?” Doctors think that the babies were just too big, and medical care in those days wasn’t advanced enough to help. It broke Anna’s heart, but she stayed strong with the love of Martin Van Buren Bates and their faith.
Why Did Anna Haining Bates Babies Die?
Anna’s pregnancies were difficult because of her size. The babies were born very large, and doctors couldn’t help them survive with the medical tools available at that time. This brought deep sorrow to the Bates family, but Anna remained hopeful and strong.
Later Life and Legacy
As she grew older, Anna lived a quieter life. She and Martin settled in Ohio, building a home that suited their needs. Anna enjoyed reading, playing piano, and being part of her local Baptist church. She found peace in the countryside and community. Her life after fame was filled with love and calm moments.
Anna Swan’s Cause of Death
Sadly, she died on August 5, 1888, just one day before her 42nd birthday. Anna Swan’s cause of death is believed to be heart failure, likely related to her size and health conditions. Her story, though tragic, is also filled with strength, love, and faith.
Remembering Anna Swan
Today, Anna’s memory lives on. In her hometown of Nova Scotia is the Giantess Anna Swan Museum. It shares stories, photos, and even furniture made just for her. Her story has inspired many books and plays by Susan Swan and Anne Renaud. One book about her life is even used in schools across New Zealand and the United Kingdom. People still search for Anna Swan’s biography online, eager to learn about this amazing woman. Popular blog posts and popular posts on history sites keep her memory alive. Her life shows how even someone very different can live with pride and purpose. Anna Swan, née Swan, was not just tall. She was kind, wise, and full of grace. From St Martin to Dr Beach and Rev Rupert Cochrane, many people helped her along the way. The Bates family name became known not just for size but for heart.
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Conclusion
The story of Anna Haining Swan touches hearts. From Mill Brook, Nova Scotia, to the grand halls of New York and the love-filled home in Ohio, she showed that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. She lived with grace, stood tall—literally and figuratively—and left behind a story worth telling again and again. Her journey from a small village in Canada to worldwide fame is a reminder that being different can be a gift. The Anna Swan biography is not just about size—it’s about courage, love, and never giving up.
FAQs
What is Anna Swan famous for?
Anna Swan is famous for being one of the tallest women in recorded history. Her great height made her a touring sensation, and she became known worldwide, especially after performing with PT Barnum’s American Museum.
Who was Anna Swan married to?
Anna Swan was married to Martin Van Buren Bates, also known as the Kentucky Giant. Together, they were often called the “giant couple.”
Who is Anna Swann?
Anna Swann is another spelling variation of Anna Swan, the tallest Canadian woman from Nova Scotia who became internationally famous for her height and kind heart.
Did Anna Swan have a child?
Yes, Anna Swan had two children, but sadly, both died shortly after birth. Her second child was one of the largest babies ever born.
What is the story of Anna Swan?
The story of Anna Swan is about a Canadian woman born in 1846 who grew to be nearly 8 feet tall. She became a performer, met royalty, married another giant, and became a symbol of strength and uniqueness.
What is the longest baby born?
Anna Swan’s second baby, born in 1879, is often listed among the longest and heaviest babies ever born. He weighed nearly 23 pounds and was around 30 inches long, but he sadly passed away after just 11 hours.
